Week of Monday August 5– August 11
History Lesson – Man as Instructor
Many times, he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive. Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord! - Psalm 106:43-48 ESV
When I was in school, I didn’t care much about history. But the older I got, the more I appreciated the valuable lessons history teaches. When I became an officer in the Army and climbed the ranks, I learned much from military history, particularly the strategies that brought either victory or defeat.
After retiring from over 36 years of military service, I served as a professor, and much of what I taught in my leadership classes came from lessons from history. Someone wisely said: “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Men need to take up the mantle of Instructor and teach the lessons of history so that those who follow us can avoid the failures of those who have gone before us.
When the author penned this particular psalm, he was teaching history. He walked the people of Israel through their highs and many lows. We learn that Israel turned from the One who loved them, and they did it over and over again! Yet we are also reminded of God’s faithfulness to his promise to Abraham. God keeps His word even when His children do not.
When the people of Israel did not learn from their own history; they repeated the failures of the past and paid dearly for it. Their disobedience brought unnecessary suffering upon not only themselves but also their children and grandchildren.
One of the history lessons from this psalm is that our choices have consequences for us and those we love and lead. When Israel chose to obey the life-giving direction of the God of heaven, they were blessed beyond measure. Their disobedience, however, brought judgment in the form of exile. The lesson is simple but powerful: Obedience brings God’s blessing. Disobedience and rebellion bring God’s judgment.
Our obedience, or lack thereof, can have a generational impact. Our choices today have repercussions for the lives of our family members, born and unborn. Consequently, we must first seek to obey God today and then make the most of teachable moments to reinforce the truths of Scripture to mold and shape the generation of tomorrow.
Yes, God is exact about who He has called us to be and what He has called us to do. He is a Holy God and will not tolerate sin. Yet, He is also merciful and forgiving when we cry out to Him in repentance.
What we communicate or don’t communicate about God directly influences our homes and families. Like the psalmist, let us instruct future generations about how God firmly yet lovingly dealt with His people throughout history.
- Take a page from this psalmist and review your own family’s spiritual history. Are there some history lessons demonstrating God’s hand of favor or His hand of discipline that could be used in a teachable moment?
- Take a moment to reflect on your own personal journey with God. Are there some stories of His blessing or discipline that you can share with those who are following in your footsteps?
- Ask God to help you develop your skills as an instructor, communicating God’s goodness and justice throughout history, based on His Word!
History Lesson – Man as Instructor
Many times, he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive. Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord! - Psalm 106:43-48 ESV
When I was in school, I didn’t care much about history. But the older I got, the more I appreciated the valuable lessons history teaches. When I became an officer in the Army and climbed the ranks, I learned much from military history, particularly the strategies that brought either victory or defeat.
After retiring from over 36 years of military service, I served as a professor, and much of what I taught in my leadership classes came from lessons from history. Someone wisely said: “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Men need to take up the mantle of Instructor and teach the lessons of history so that those who follow us can avoid the failures of those who have gone before us.
When the author penned this particular psalm, he was teaching history. He walked the people of Israel through their highs and many lows. We learn that Israel turned from the One who loved them, and they did it over and over again! Yet we are also reminded of God’s faithfulness to his promise to Abraham. God keeps His word even when His children do not.
When the people of Israel did not learn from their own history; they repeated the failures of the past and paid dearly for it. Their disobedience brought unnecessary suffering upon not only themselves but also their children and grandchildren.
One of the history lessons from this psalm is that our choices have consequences for us and those we love and lead. When Israel chose to obey the life-giving direction of the God of heaven, they were blessed beyond measure. Their disobedience, however, brought judgment in the form of exile. The lesson is simple but powerful: Obedience brings God’s blessing. Disobedience and rebellion bring God’s judgment.
Our obedience, or lack thereof, can have a generational impact. Our choices today have repercussions for the lives of our family members, born and unborn. Consequently, we must first seek to obey God today and then make the most of teachable moments to reinforce the truths of Scripture to mold and shape the generation of tomorrow.
Yes, God is exact about who He has called us to be and what He has called us to do. He is a Holy God and will not tolerate sin. Yet, He is also merciful and forgiving when we cry out to Him in repentance.
What we communicate or don’t communicate about God directly influences our homes and families. Like the psalmist, let us instruct future generations about how God firmly yet lovingly dealt with His people throughout history.
- Take a page from this psalmist and review your own family’s spiritual history. Are there some history lessons demonstrating God’s hand of favor or His hand of discipline that could be used in a teachable moment?
- Take a moment to reflect on your own personal journey with God. Are there some stories of His blessing or discipline that you can share with those who are following in your footsteps?
- Ask God to help you develop your skills as an instructor, communicating God’s goodness and justice throughout history, based on His Word!